Among the Rākṣasas, you stand as one of the very best, just as the strongest bond is among the tied Nāgas. In the world of flowers, the jasmine is preeminent; among cities, Kāñcī is renowned; among women, Rambhā is foremost; and among those who are weary, the householder is honored above all. The mango reigns as the king of fruits, the ashoka is unmatched among buds, and among all medicinal herbs, pathyā is supreme. Milk is considered the finest among all white substances, just as cotton is the most esteemed among coverings. Of all vegetables, kākamācī is the chief, and salt stands out as the most important of flavors. The banyan is the most distinguished among trees, just as Śiva is the greatest among the wise. When it comes to fortresses and fierce places, the lord of night-dwellers—Vaitaraṇī—is the most powerful, capable of bringing about the downfall of kings. Yet, there is no atonement for one who destroys a friend; even after billions of years, such a sin remains unwashed. Now, let the great sages describe the structure of Jambūdvīpa. This vast land is divided into nine regions, each immense and capable of granting the rewards of heaven and liberation. In the east and north lies Hiraṇya, lord of the rākṣasas. Bhārata is situated in the south, while Hari occupies the southwestern region. To the north is the land of Kuru, surrounded by wish-fulfilling trees. Besides Bhārata, there are eight other regions, beginning with Ilāvṛta. These divisions know no reversal of fortune; none are superior, inferior, or even intermediate. All are separated by oceans, making them inaccessible to one another. There are also islands such as Nāga Island, Kaṭāha, Siṃhala, and Vāruṇa. The island called Kumāra lies between the north and south. In the southern region dwell the Andhras, and in the north, the Turushkas. All these peoples are purified by their acts—be it worship, battle, or trade. Within this land, the Vindhya and Pāriyātra are counted among the seven chief mountain ranges. These mountains are broad, lofty, beautiful, and immense, with auspicious slopes. Other notable ranges include Vātandhama, Vaidyuta, Maināka, and Saras, as well as Ujjāyana, Puṣpagiri, Arbuda, and Raivata. Śrīparvata, Koṅgaṇa, and hundreds of other mountains also grace the land. From these mighty ranges, the foremost rivers are born. Listen carefully to their names: Śatadru, Candrikā, Nīlā, Vitastā, Irāvatī, and Kuhū. There are also Gomatī, Dhūtapāpā, Bāhudā, and Sadṛṣadvatī; Saru and the Lauhitya, which flows from the foot of the Himalaya. Parṇāśā, Nandinī, Pāvanī, and Mahī are among them, as well as Siprā and Avantī, which have their source in the Pāriyātra. Mandākinī, Daśārṇā, and the river flowing from Citrakūṭa add to this sacred multitude. Others include Pippalaśroṇī, Vipāśā, and Vañjulāvatī, and those born from the foot of Ṛkṣa, such as Balavāhinī. There are also Veṇa, Vaitaraṇī, Sinīvāhu, and Kumudvatī. The rivers arising from the foot of the Vindhya are especially holy, pure, and auspicious. Among the great rivers emerging from the foot of the Sahya mountains are Tuṅgabhadrā, Suprayogā, Vāhyā, and Kāverī. Sinī and Sudāmā are also counted, as well as those born from the shining oyster shell. All these rivers are revered as mothers of the world—indeed, they are the very women of the oceans.